Lately it seems that all we hear about are makeup trends. We spent months obsessing over contouring, we moved on to strobing, we’re stuck on highlighters and illuminators, and now we’ve got color correctors coming at us like gang busters. Color Correcting isn’t new but it’s having its day right now.

I remember years and years ago that Physician’s Formula had little tubes of color correctors that were very inexpensive. It made the brand more noticeable because no one else had anything like it. I remember finally caving when it was on sale for about $2 – and being disappointed. I wasn’t as experienced with cosmetics and I didn’t understand enough about blending.

Move forward to 2016 and Sephora has been tempting me with Color Correctors as have other brands. Here are some I’ve bought at different price points.

I picked this up at Walgreen mainly because I knew that Makeup Wars was writing about this subject plus I wanted to see how an inexpensive color corrector would compare to the more expensive ones. This is the one to purchase if you are curious and don’t want to splurge. But it’s not the best out there unless you want the purple (to counter dullness) and green (to correct red).

Wet n Wild Coverall Correcting Palette

The yellow is called Cover but it doesn’t cover anything on me; it’s meant to cancel out bruises or undereye circles. The white is their Highlighter but it’s pretty weak. Purple is what they call Normalize while they name the green Neutralize. The texture is very thick so you need to apply it with a light hand and blend it well.

If you follow me on Beauty Info Zone you know this is a favorite. This is a light and bright pink with a soft creamy finish. While it’s technically not a concealer, I don’t need one when I use this. I like the bigger opening on the jar and I like the consistency of the corrector. Some days it’s a little too bright for me if my dark circles are rearing their ugliest head.

While the Sephora brand Bright Future Color Correctors come in 5 shades, they are always sold out. Right now the green and yellow are available online but once the pink and peach come in, they sell out instantly. That’s because the price is half that of the similar Urban Decay Color Correctors. The main difference that I see between the two brands is the applicator. Sephora Collection’s isn’t quite as nice and less comes out so you work a little harder. It’s definitely green and it applies dark at first but using a sponge I can blend it down easily. I use it by my nostrils and just under where I have the most redness and spot treat other areas. They key is to blend but not RUB away.

I first bought this in Peach and liked it so much I went back for the Pink. The consistency of these is great for correcting, they’re soft and blend extremely well without a lot of work. They are what’s getting the most use in my correcting routine these days. The Peach looks very orange at first but it blends down enough to cover dark circles without showing as orange. Pink is meant to brighten dark areas. I sort of say “eeny meeny” to decide which to use each day. A sponge is the tool I prefer with these. I first warm them with my finger then use my sponge to softly blend these.

I bought this palette when I was freelancing, as you can see it’s unused and I didn’t swatch it. It is really more of a concealing palette but the colors are mostly too dark for me. This is #1 the lightest one (for light to medium skin tones with redness concerns) and there are 5 total. I probably should have bought #5 (pro palette featuring color correcting shades for most skin tones and highlighter/concealer) since it’s more for correcting than concealing.

The Face Stockholm Corrector Quad came in a Wantable subscription and was one of the highlights of my years long subscription. Ljus is the lightest of the 3 Corrector Quads available. Mine has been used too much to photograph but I really did like having this all in one quad. While I didn’t get much use out of the yellow I did from the other 3 shades.

As you can see, I’m fascinated with these type of products and totally obsessed with them lately. While this craze has cost me a lot lately, I’m enjoying using all of these (well not the MUFE which I haven’t broken into yet). It’s hard to recommend just one but to save money you might want to look at the Sephora Collection colors or a quad like Face Stockholm’s.

What do you like for color corrector? I’m always up for more. — Marcia

MAKEUP WARS is sharing some of the highlighters and illuminators that make us twinkle and shine, that make us glimmer and shimmer, that make us excited to be women in 2016.

Not every one of my highlighters is shown here, just the 3 newest and one all time favorite. There are many more that I really like but some just stand out more than others. Introducing 4 of mine: TOM FORD MOODLIGHT, HOURGLASS AMBIENT IRIDESCENT STROBE LIGHT, IT COSMETICS HELLO LIGHT CREME ILLUMINATOR, and BECCA MOONSTONE.

Tom Ford Skin Illuminator Powder Duo in Moodlight

Tom Ford Skin Illuminator Powder Duo in Moodlight ($80) is one gorgeous illuminator. I resisted this for so long but the more I read about it and saw photos the more I desired it. This is amazingly subtle even if the photo doesn’t look that way. You are able to control the amount of illumination, easily building it up from an understated amount that brightens and lightens your face to a shimmery amount that gives more of a bronzing highlight. Tom Ford Moodlight (sometimes seen as Moonlight on a website) can be used separately or together. Use a big fluffy brush for an all over sweep of illumination or a blush brush to emphasize certain areas of your face.

Hourglass Ambient Iridescent Strobe Light

There are 4 different Hourglass Ambient Strobe Powders. I chose Iridescent since it has a touch of pink that the others I’ve been using lack. Hourglass Ambient Iridescent Strobe Lightis described as an illuminating pink powder imparting a soft highlight. I have very fair cool toned skin and I thought this would add enough brightness without being overwhelming. And I was right. This is subtle yet lights up my face. The powder is angel soft to the touch yet doesn’t ever look powdery on me.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone ($38) is the golden highlighter that I have. I bought a set that contained a travel size of Moonstone and it was one of the best buys I made. Moonstone, one of 7 shades, is a pale gold. It is slightly sparkly so it’s not a daytime look for me. I prefer to apply this with my fingers instead of a brush. It has an almost creamy finish to it so my fingers pick up this very soft powder and I find that my face is more luminous when used this way. The formula is enriched with ultrafine luminescent pearls. If I had to pick one brand for highlighting and illuminating it would be Becca. They really do stand out in this field.

Besides having wonderful anti-aging and hydrating ingredients (infused with peptides, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, silk and vitamins A, C, & E), it gives such a subtle and luminous glow. It’s perfect for spot highlighting like at the top of your cheekbones, above your eyebrows, and the cupid’s bow of your mouth. It’s a lit from within look and one I use often.

There are dozens more highlighters and illuminators that I enjoy using. Adding a bit of a liquid highlighter into foundation gives a beautiful dewy look, using an illuminating primer like COVER FX does all the work for you. Just don’t go without at least one of these wonderful products in your makeup collection.

Do you have a favorite in this category? Dare I ask what it is? — Marcia

I’m sorry but you can’t have this so I apologize in advance but I’m so enamored with this Lucky Mystery Bag from Beautylish that I had to share it so you can take advantage of this next year.

In December 2015 I received an email from Beautylish that their Mystery Bag was on the way and to put my name on the waiting list. As soon as it became available to order I did so and this beautiful package arrived in early January. Beautylish does this once a year and the cost is $75 plus $5 shipping to the US. It’s available to other countries but the shipping charge would be higher. I first noticed this in 2014 and was sorry I hadn’t participated so last year I jumped on it and purchased the mystery bag (see my review here). Obviously I did again. I’m overjoyed with this purchase since my products are outstanding.

Beautylish Mystery Lucky Bag 2016

What makes this even more special is that everything in the package are new products that are for sale on Beautylish and other websites. It’s not outdated items, they are all things you’d buy in a heartbeat. I’ve seen a few blog posts on the bag and while no one received the same exact products, every one I read was wonderful.

This year’s Mystery Bags was called the Lucky Bag in honor of a Japanese New Year’s custom. “Fukubukuro is a Japanese New Year custom in which merchants and retailers make grab bags filled with unknown random contents and sell them on a substantial discount. They’re called “lucky bags” or “mystery bags”.” My Lucky Bag has a value of $162 which is 2X what I paid.

This is one of Becca’s most sought after eyeshadow palettes. The five coordinating shades are all warm colors. The texture of these shadows is phenomenal. I sent this to a good friend since it’s too warm for me and I could practically see her jumping up and down from afar.

You are reading this from a very pale woman who rarely uses a bronzing powder but this is the exception to the rule. There are two shades of this incredibly silky bronzer and I’m so lucky that I received the lightest one. I can use this for the subtle type of contouring I like, a subtle bronzer, or a blush.

What makes this most exciting for me, besides the fact that I adore brushes and Wayne Goss brushes, is that I really wanted this brush. 05 was in their original set of brushes but they’ve revamped it and this is the new improved version. It’s a detail brush that works on lips and lids. I may have a ton of brushes but this is fabulous and I’m thrilled.

rms beauty is a beauty lovers secret. It’s not a brand that’s talked about that often but it’s the real thing. It’s a cruelty free organic brand with the best products. I’m lusting after their Living Luminizer and one of these days I’ll take the plunge. The Lip & Skin Balm is available in two scents – Simply Vanilla and Simply Cocoa. I received Simply Vanilla which has a light vanilla scent. I love it. I wish it wasn’t a pot but I use it at home. “RMS Beauty Lip & Skin Balm is made of superior food-grade biologically active ingredients that support natural skin functions, giving you a visibly healthier appearance. Each ingredient in this must-have skin-rejuvenating formula has been carefully selected for its traditional healing abilities. Use regularly to heal, protect and hydrate skin, soften fine lines and give skin a smooth texture.”

As if the Lucky Mystery bag could get any better, there were two of my very favorite products in it. I’ve purchased both over and over. Having the travel size of the Bioderma Micellar Water is fabulous. I love this size for travel and for home use. And do I have to extol the virtues of IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes or have you heard me talk about it at least a dozen times before? These two are staples in my life and I am thrilled to find them in my bag.

“Bioderma Sensibio H2O (also known as Créaline H2O) is a no-rinse micellar cleanser and makeup remover specially formulated for sensitive, normal to dry skin types. It can even remove water-resistant face and eye makeup! A soothing emollient thanks to cucumber extract, it clears up irritated skin and produces a feeling of instant freshness. Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free, and hypoallergenic.”

The quality products that Beautylish sent are beyond my wildest dreams. It’s hard to put out $75+ and not know what you are getting but as you can see Beautylish came through. Sign up for Beautylish emails so that next December you can get on the list too. Which products in here would you be excited to own? — Marcia

Oh to have endless funds to buy all the pretties that are available this time of year. What fun we could have. Today for Makeup Wars we have chosen Holiday Gifts and I’ve picked 10 that you could buy me any time! I hope you find some to make your own dreams come true. — Marcia

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TOO FACED LA PETITE MAISON ($39) is simply adorable. I’d love almost any of the Too Faced e/s palettes but this Ulta exclusive has extras that make it a great gift item. In this cuteness is a deluxe sample of TF Better Than Sex mascara which totally rocks. The 12 shadows sound wonderful. Put this on my wishlist please.

Let It Snow (matte white)

Reindeer (light taupe)

Honey Pot (metallic gold)

Knock Out (deep matte brown)

Paper Roses (warm peachy pink frost)

Don’t Settle (medium dark brown)

After Hours (warm golden medium brown)

Secret Lovers (dark brown pearl)

Pussy Cat (shimmering orchid)

Dreams (soft mauve)

Jungle Love (blackened purple w/ violet sparkle)

Chocolate Moon (black w/ gold sparkle)

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CHARLOTTE TILBURY EYES TO HYPNOTISE ($39) is the number one item on my wishlist. It comes in 4 variations, each containing a single eyeshadow and a deluxe size eyeliner pencil. The Huntress is the one I’m dying for but any that you want to send me will get you a huge thank you note!! (Also available at Beautylish)

BOBBI BROWN DELUXE EYE & CHEEK PALETTE ($85) is so appealing because it’s more than just eyes. With three beautiful blushes and 8 great Bobbi eyeshadows, someone’s going to love you for getting them this. Or is it on your wishlist??

PETER MAX FOR KIEHL’S Since 1851 LIP BALM SET #1 Set ($32) is the pretty way to be practical. Everyone loves Kiehl’s Lip Balms, it’s hard not to so why not in Peter Max LE packaging?? You’ll get their original lip balm, cranberry, mint and mango. What a fab stocking stuffer!!

MONT BLEU COMPACT MIRROR is one of my favorite ever gifts. These come in so many designs and prices that you could get one for everyone on your list and never repeat them. This is the way to catch someone’s eye in a stunning way.

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LIPSTICK QUEEN GALACTIC GORGEOUS LIP GLOSS SET ($24) comes with 4 fantabulous glosses from Lipstick Queen in the cutest packaging. These are fragrance free, not sticky and the shades are amazing. Every mood and outfit is covered with these glosses.

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IT COSMETICS NATURALLY PRETTY MUST HAVES EYE SET ($28) really is a must have in my book. I love Hello Lashes mascara and this set comes with a travel size one along with 8 fabulous matte shadows: Happy, Believe, Naturally Pretty, Inspire, Brave, Empower and Transforming Hello Light. The full size palette is $42 so this is a great intro to IT’s matte shadows.

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BECCA RADIANT GLOW COLLECTION ($34) is the only one of these that I own and it’s fabulous! I really love the 4 pieces in the box. For more check my review and I promise you’ll want this ASAP.

Under Eye Brightening Corrector (0.1 oz.)

Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Moonstone (0.085 oz.)

Shimmering Skin Perfector Spotlight in Opal (0.17 oz.)

Beach Tint Lip Shimmer Soufflé in Raspberry/Opal (0.08 oz.)

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Now what’s on your list for holiday fun? I chose glamour rather than practical because that’s what holidays are all about!
Let’s see what items the Makeup Wars bloggers can tempt us with! — Marcia

Ladies, you need this special edition BECCA RADIANT GLOW COLLECTION before it’s gone. This is an Ulta exclusive that I’m so happy I picked up. Everything in this collection is going to make you glisten and glow. For $32 you’ll find 4 delights that will make you crave more Becca.

BECCA Radiant Glow Collection products

I bought it on a whim and I’m glad the whim paid off. One of my very favorite products is BECCA UNDER EYE BRIGHTENING CORRECTOR. I like it so much that I was considering buying a backup when I spotted the kit. It contains a 1 oz. size of the corrector. While the jar is considerably smaller it’s just as wonderful and perfect for on the go (or as my backup). This is a luminous light peach corrector that I apply under my eyes before any concealer or foundation. It opens my eyes up making me look more rested.

BECCA Under Eye Brightening Corrector

The second product that I really was eager to try is the Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Moonstone. As you know it’s all about the glow lately and Becca is one of the top brands for that. This 0.085 oz deluxe mini is big enough to get your brush in so it’s easy to use. Moonstone is a pale gold that’s absolutely luminous. The pigmentation is there without being heavy at all. I can control the amount of shimmer that shows depending on the brush I use. This is perfect for me in the spots that need to brighten me up without making me look like I need to go out dancing. A full size is $38 so it’s a perfect way to try before you buy. Shimmering Skin Perfectors come in 4 shades with Moonstone being the lightest.

BECCA Moonstone Shimmering Skin Perfector

Becca Moonlight Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector

The Shimmering Skin Perfector Spotlight in Opal wasn’t even on my radar before. A full size is $41 so having the opportunity to try this is perfect. There are 5 shades with Opal being in the middle of the pack and considered the most universal of the shades. It’s described as a golden opal pearl. The 0.17 oz wand looks like a concealer but instead it’s a beautiful radiant cream that you’ll want to use strategically. Put a little at the top of your cheekbones or on the cupid’s bow of your lips to bring out a touch of radiance. How I wish I could get Pearl and Moonstone in this packaging.

The last item in the collection is stunning but it’s not a Marcia color so I’ll save it for an upcoming giveaway. Beach Tint Shimmer Lip Souffle in Raspberry Opal is a full size gloss ($24). Here’s what Ulta has to say about it: “BECCA Beach Tint Lip Shimmer Soufflé is a double dose of pigment and shimmer. This lightweight, marbled gloss melts beautifully into the lips. The satiny-soft texture drenches lips in hydrating color, while brown algae extract smooths and softens for sophisticated shine that lasts for hours.”

BECCA Beach Tint Lip Shimmer Souffle in Raspberry Opal

BECCA Beach Tint Lip Shimmer Souffle in Raspberry Opal

Can you see why I’m so excited about this set? It’s considered to be a $70 value and it’s well worth the $32 it costs. I saw about a dozen boxes of it at my Ulta store and it’s still online so maybe you should grab this now. There’s also another set called Shimmering Skin Perfector Glow on the Go for $20 containing both of the Shimmering Skin Perfectors in the shade Opal. Should I cave in and buy that? Would you? — Marcia

In no particular order are the items I’m most attracted to this fall. This is the time of year that we need to be thinking about holiday even though it’s early October. But these are almost all limited edition and we just don’t want to miss out! — Marcia

BECCA RADIANT GLOW COLLECTION ($32) is a kit I just ordered since I love the Under Eye Brightening Corrector and I wanted to try the highlighter. At $32 from Ulta this is a great way to try some fabulous Becca.

Under Eye Brightening Corrector (0.1 oz.)

Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Moonstone (0.085 oz.)

Shimmering Skin Perfector Spotlight in Opal (0.17 oz.)

Beach Tint Lip Shimmer Soufflé in Raspberry/Opal (0.08 oz.)

GUERLAIN WINTER FAIRY TALE COLLECTION – Normally I don’t like mixed palettes but it’s been a long time since I’ve bought Guerlain and this looks appealling.ARMANI LUXE IS MORE PALETTE is truly luxe looking. It contains two layers with the top being 10 neutral eyeshadows in different formulas and the bottom layer contains two highlighters and two cream contour colors. A splurge but one I’d love to see in my collection.BUTTER LONDON TWELVE MONTHS OF MANIS contains 12 mini sizes of butter LONDON’s best. This will break you out of any nail polish rut you are in while also having some “safe” shades.
High Tea – Opaque, Nude Creme
Luv (Set Exclusive!) – Light Pink with Deep Pink Glitter, Glitter
Fiver – Opaque, Mint Creme
Molly-Coddled – Opaque, Lavender Orchid Creme
Petal (Set Exclusive!) – Soft Cool Pastel Pink
Petticoat – Periwinkle Blue, Creme
Summer Hols (Set Exclusive!) – Jell Pink, Creme
Tiddly – Opaque, Melon Creme
Clever Clogs (Set Exclusive!) – Orange Rust, Creme
Swish (Set Exclusive!) – Deep Smoke with Metallic Gold Sheen, Metallic
Scrummy (Set Exclusive!) – Rich Crimson, Creme
Bubbly (Set Exclusive!) – Tinted Gold with Gold Glitter, OvercoatSTILA TRUST IN LOVE GIFT SET has a little of everything we love about Stila. This $40 set contains 12 eyeshadows, mascara and a Deluxe Lip Glaze.MAKEUP GEEK HOLOGRAPHIC EYESHADOWS are selling out fast. A single shade is only $6 in the pan while the complete set of 13 shadows is $65. I bought them all and need to transfer them to an empty Z palette. The pigments are already sold out!BOBBI BROWN STERLING NIGHTS HOLIDAY EYESHADOW PALETTE– while Bobbi doesn’t veer far from her other palettes, this one is in a beautiful palette and has classic and beyond colors that we can’t help but love.

What products do you have use that are strictly for under your eyes? What products do you have that will multi-task so that you can use them under your eyes and elsewhere on your face? That’s what this week’s Makeup Wars is taking on. I went through my drawer that I keep most of my concealers in and pulled out what you see in the above picture. These are the items that are in current use but oh baby, there are more. Let’s take a look though to see what Marcia’s eyes are sporting these days.

I had to start with the eye serums that I’m using lately. I didn’t really realize until I took my pictures that I was using an eye serum day and night.In the morning I’m using SUSTAINABLE YOUTH ANYTIME LIFT EYE TREATMENT with ALASTA*. I’ve chosen that for mornings because it doesn’t interfere with makeup and it helps with puffiness and dark circles. At night I’m loving ATAL ADVANTAGE VELVET EYE SERUM* which will get a complete review soon.

ATAL Advantage Velvet Eye Serum is a cross between a serum and an eye cream. I took to this like a duck takes to water. I’m loving how the ingredients are helping to moisturize my undereye area and fighting my fine lines.

Next are my correctors. At the moment I’m going between two different ones. PIXI CORRECTION CONCENTRATE in BRIGHTENING PEACH* and BECCA UNDER EYE BRIGHTENING CORRECTOR.

Pixi Correction Concentrate and Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector

PIXI Correction Concentrate in Brightening Peach is a thicker product and needs an eye cream under it to make it go on smoothly. This really does a great job of cancelling out dark circles. I always use a foundation with this since it can look a little too peach otherwise on my fair complexion.

Pixi Correction Concentrate and Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector

BECCA Under Eye Brightening Corrector is a softer product. The texture is creamier so it glides on easily and the color is more brightening. The price difference is substantial ($12 and $29) so if you are on a budget go with Pixi.

I can’t seem to get enough concealers, it’s one of my weaknesses. While I chose 6 here there are more that I use and love. I use all of these concealers under my eyes and some I’ll use elsewhere on my face too. When we leave the house at night the first thing I do is grab a concealer and fix my face.

Concealers from IT Cosmetics, Nars, Dior, tarte, CoverFX

1. IT COSMETICS CC+ EYE* … Originally this was only available in a TSV but IT got smart and it’s now available separately. I have 3 different IT Cosmetics undereye concealers but chose to show this one because it has SPF50+ and it’s got amazing coverage. This is the concealer that has a slanted metallic applicator though I seem to get too much out if I apply it with the applicator. This is a full coverage concealer which may be too heavy for some people in summer but I use a very small amount and blend well.

2. COVER FX CAMOUFLAGE CONCEALER aka Conceal FX is one I use anywhere and everywhere. This is a terrific general concealer so you really can buy this and be done. When I saw that they manufactured this in X-Light I was instantly sold.

3. TARTE SMOOTH OPERATOR AMAZON CLAY CONCEALER is one of two tarte concealers I love, the other being Maracuja Concealer in the tube. This is the only stick concealer that I use even though I have much more expensive ones. I love the portability, the ease of application and that it comes light enough for me in Fair.4. NARS RADIANT CREAMY CONCEALER in Light is one I didn’t take to right away. I bought it because of the raves but it took me a while to like it. It will never be my favorite but it’s the wand concealer I find myself using the most these days. It’s very creamy and long lasting.

5. DIORSKIN NUDE CONCEALER has gone through a few changes. I bought this originally and within weeks they came out with a new improved version so I exchanged it. It’s a great undereye concealer and one I like to use a lot to touch up with at night.

6. DIORSKIN STAR CONCEALER is an even newer version of concealer for Dior. I use this interchangeably with Dior’s Nude Concealer and don’t see much difference between the two.

Charlotte Tilbury The Retoucher, Dior Skinflash, YSL Touche Eclat

Last are my highlighting concealers from Charlotte Tilbury, Dior and YSL. YVES ST LAURENT TOUCH ECLAT has been a favorite for years and years. I’ve gone through half a dozen of them. I like the original formula, Radiant Touch, because it brightens my undereyes and gives them a lift. I wear this any time I want to look and feel my best. CHARLOTTE TILBURY THE RETOUCHER is my newest one and I think I bought it because of the brand. I have it in #1 Fair and it’s a got good concealing properties along with a touch of brightening. DIOR SKINFLASH RADIANCE BOOSTER PEN is Dior’s answer to YSL. I bought this in #2 which has just a small touch of peach to it.

It takes a lot to be presentable these days!! Which of these have your tried? Which of these do you want to try? Check out what the other Makeup Wars bloggers use so you can find a favorite. — Marcia